Nestled just 15 miles west of Tulsa, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, stands as a vibrant testament to a rich tapestry of history, serving as a pivotal stop for travelers along the iconic Route 66. This charming city proudly showcases its profound connections to both Native American heritage and the legendary Mother Road, drawing visitors into a narrative shaped by centuries of change and growth. The land upon which Sapulpa thrives has witnessed the flags of five different nations fly over it: Spain, France, England, Mexico, and the United States, alongside the Choctaw Indian Nation during the tumultuous Civil War era. Indeed, the history of Sapulpa is deeply interwoven with captivating Indian and early American folklore.
Early Beginnings and Native American Roots
The origins of Sapulpa trace back to approximately 1850 when Jim Sapulpa, a resourceful Creek Indian, migrated to the area from Alabama. He established a farm on the banks of Rock Creek, situated about a mile southeast of the present-day city center. Here, Jim Sapulpa not only cultivated his land but also operated a bustling store from his home, diligently hauling supplies from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to serve the burgeoning community. His entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for what would eventually become a significant Oklahoma town.
A crucial turning point arrived with the Treaty of 1865, which granted the Creek Indians the right-of-way to the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad. By 1886, the railroad had extended its line to the very site of present-day Sapulpa. Though initially without an official designation, the railroad workers affectionately named the terminus “Sapulpa” in honor of the area’s first settler, Jim Sapulpa. This unofficial name quickly gained traction, and the location soon became widely known as Sapulpa Station, solidifying its place on the map.
The Railroad Era and Sapulpa’s Dynamic Growth
With the arrival of the railroad, Sapulpa rapidly transformed into a vital cattle-shipping hub, attracting commerce and development. Reflecting its growing importance, a renowned Fred Harvey Hotel commenced operations at the railroad station, providing essential amenities for travelers and a touch of refinement to the bustling depot. In 1889, a post office was established, further cementing the town’s infrastructure, and by 1898, Sapulpa was formally incorporated, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a humble settlement to an organized municipality.
The Oil Boom Transforms Sapulpa into a Bustling City
While oil discoveries had been made elsewhere in the territory, including Chelsea in 1889, Muskogee and Bartlesville in 1897, and Red Fork in 1901, the region’s true potential as a vast oil reserve remained largely unrecognized until November 1905. It was then that the Glenpool Field, located just four miles southeast of Sapulpa, was opened, triggering an unprecedented oil boom. This momentous event fueled Sapulpa’s most dramatic period of expansion and prosperity, fundamentally altering its economic and social landscape.
The confluence of the oil boom, the steady presence of the Frisco Railroad, and the establishment of several brick and glass manufacturing plants propelled Sapulpa from a quiet village into a thriving community. By the mid-1920s, the city’s population swelled to an impressive 20,000 residents, a clear indicator of its burgeoning success. This era of rapid growth left an indelible mark on Sapulpa, with the majority of its historic downtown buildings being erected during this dynamic boom period, many of which stand proudly to this day.
Sapulpa: The Enduring Crossroads of America
For generations, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has been affectionately known as “The Crossroads of America.” This moniker stems from its strategic location at the intersection of U.S. Highway 66 and U.S. Highway 75. Before the widespread construction of interstate highways, Route 66 served as the primary east-west artery across the western United States, while U.S. 75 functioned as the main north-south route, stretching from Canada all the way to the Gulf Coast at Galveston, Texas. This unique convergence positioned Sapulpa as a critical nexus for travel and commerce. Even today, the city retains its status as a major crossroads, with five significant highways converging within its limits, underscoring its enduring connectivity.
Preserving History and Culture in a Main Street City
Today, this vibrant Main Street City of approximately 20,000 people takes immense pride in its distinctive character, which has been profoundly shaped by three pivotal historical factors: its Native American inhabitants, the advent of railroads, and the transformative impact of the oil industry. Sapulpa has garnered significant recognition for its unwavering commitment to preservation and architectural rehabilitation, earning ten statewide awards for its dedicated efforts. As visitors traverse this beautifully preserved community, they are greeted by an array of artistic advertising displays adorning many of its vintage buildings, adding to its nostalgic charm.
Throughout the year, Sapulpa hosts a variety of special events that celebrate its heritage and foster community spirit. These include lively summer concerts held on Main Street and the immensely popular Route 66 Blowout. This annual event, which has taken place in downtown Sapulpa since 1990, is a heartfelt celebration of the Mother Road’s enduring nostalgia. It features a well-attended car, motorcycle, and truck show, an art show and sale, insightful historic walking tours, live music performances, and a diverse selection of crafts and commercial vendors, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Legacy of Frankoma Pottery
Perhaps one of Sapulpa’s most globally recognized institutions was Frankoma Pottery. For decades, visitors flocked to the factory for free tours, where they could witness skilled artisans meticulously crafting pottery using techniques unchanged since the 1930s. Frankoma Pottery became a symbol of American craftsmanship and a beloved part of Sapulpa’s identity. However, after years of economic challenges and decline, Frankoma Pottery ceased operations in 2010, and its contents were auctioned off a year later. Despite its closure, Frankoma pottery remains highly sought after and can still be discovered in antique stores and homes across Oklahoma and indeed, the entire nation, serving as a tangible piece of Sapulpa’s artistic past.
Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum
While exploring this captivating Main Street City, a visit to the Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum is highly recommended. Originally constructed in 1922 by the prominent oilman Waite Phillips, this historic building has been meticulously restored by the Sapulpa Historical Society. It now houses a fascinating collection of automobiles from the 1920s, offering a glimpse into the golden age of motoring. The museum is conveniently located just one block off historic Route 66 at 26 E. Lee Avenue.
Sapulpa Historical Museum
For an even deeper dive into local history, the Sapulpa Historical Museum is an essential stop. Housed within a charming old 1910 hotel, the museum presents a wealth of exhibits, including detailed dioramas depicting the early days of the Frisco Railroad and the 1894 Sapulpa townsite. Visitors can explore a comprehensive 100-year pictorial history of Sapulpa, alongside compelling photo histories of Native American and African-American communities, and much more. The museum is situated at 100 E. Lee Avenue, inviting all to uncover the layers of Sapulpa’s past.
Historic Route 66 Alignments: The Ozark Trail
Just three miles west of Sapulpa lies a truly remarkable segment of old Route 66, which once formed part of what was known as the Ozark Trail and is sometimes referred to as the “Father of the Mother Road.” This particular alignment, a concrete ribbon spanning 3.3 miles, carried Route 66 traffic until the early 1950s. To access this historic stretch, travelers proceed 1.2 miles west of the Oklahoma 66-Oklahoma 97 intersection in Sapulpa. The old trail begins at the magnificent 1921 steel-truss Rock Creek Bridge. Remarkably, this 12-foot-wide rusting hulk, still complete with its original red brick pavement, can still be driven across, offering a unique nostalgic experience. Just beyond the bridge, the evocative remains of the long-abandoned TeePee Drive-In Theater stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The old pavement continues to gracefully meander beneath a 1925 railroad trestle, winding through wooded areas dotted with secluded houses, before eventually merging back into the modern alignment of Oklahoma Route 66, completing a journey through time.
Recreation and Natural Beauty in Sapulpa
Beyond its rich historical sites, Sapulpa is also blessed with natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The city is home to two inviting lakes: Pretty Water, renowned for its excellent trout fishing, and Lake Sahoma, which offers a broader range of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and boating. These natural havens provide residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment amidst Oklahoma’s picturesque landscapes.
Conclusion: A Storied Stop on the Mother Road
Sapulpa, Oklahoma, truly embodies its title as the “Crossroads of America,” offering an unforgettable blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and natural allure. From its humble beginnings as a Creek Indian settlement to its boomtown days fueled by oil and railroads, and its enduring legacy as a beloved stop on Route 66, Sapulpa continues to charm and educate. Its dedication to preserving its past, coupled with a vibrant community spirit and a wealth of attractions, makes Sapulpa an essential destination for anyone seeking to explore the heart of Oklahoma’s history and the legendary Mother Road. As you conclude your visit to this storied city, the journey along Route 66 beckons further west towards Kellyville, Oklahoma, promising more adventures along America’s most iconic highway.
